Ten Questions: Youri Zoon
Issue 63 / Wed 7th Jun, 2017
The two-time world champion is still at the top of the game in the Freestyle World, a key player on the World Kite League he’s still hunting down podiums.
Youri Zoon is one of the biggest names in kiteboarding, the Dutchman exploded onto the scene over a decade ago winning his first European Championship in 2004. In 2011 he won his first World Title on the PKRA World Tour and then backed it up with another title in 2012. There aren’t many people who have won back to back titles in this sport, and there aren’t many riders who are still getting on the podium some six years later!
With a high profile switch to Best Kiteboarding followed by a slightly lower key return to his previous lifelong sponsors Slingshot Youri has certainly had an interesting career. Lindsay McClure sits him down for ten of her best questions!
Describe the feeling of winning your first World Championship. Can we expect to see you standing on top of the podium again this year?
The feeling, it seems a bit cliché, is like a dream come true. As a little kid I always dreamed about winning a World Championship, and over the years it got closer and closer, and finally, I managed to win it. This year it’s my goal to stand on top of the podium again, but it will be a hard one because there are more riders who are aiming for that spot.
How did you get your start in kiting, and when did you first start competing?
At first, I was always windsurfing and sailing. At some point, I saw kiteboarding at my home spot, and I wanted to give it a try. From that moment, I sold my windsurf gear and focused fully on kiting. After six months, I entered my first local competition and, of course, I got knocked out pretty quick, but I said, “I'll be back!” The next year, I did the European Championships, and I won.
How do you find a balance between competing, riding for media and free kiting?
It just happens. I do what feels good, and it seems to work out. I travel a lot for media events. Sometimes, it’s tiring to go on so many short trips, but on the other hand, it’s great to be able to visit so many places, discovering new things.
On both the men’s and women’s side, what are your predictions for the 2017 World Kiteboarding League Elite League final standings?
On the women’s side, Bruna Kajiya still has a bit more to give than the others. On the men’s side, I would love to be on top, but if I’m realistic, I would say that Carlos Mario will take it if he doesn’t make any mistakes. Liam (Whaley) is always close, and I think Alex (Pastor) and I are there as well to keep the two young riders sharp.
You’ve recovered from some serious setbacks, including major injuries. How did you manage your rehab in order to come back stronger than ever?
I always like to look on the bright side and see the positives in everything. Keep smiling I always say. After my injuries I stayed focused on what I wanted to do, trained very hard and always pushed it! Sometimes I pushed a little too far, but it helped me, and I am back.
How important are fitness and cross training to your overall training plan?
Fitness is super important, especially as I’m getting a little older (I’m young, only 27). After so many years of riding, I need training for my body to recover and come back stronger every time. When you are young, you can ride so much more and heal so much faster.
Both Slingshot and Brunotti have an all-star team right now; how have your sponsors, teammates, and equipment helped boost your progression over the years?
Yes, definitely and that’s why I love to work with these brands! They have been supporting me since the beginning, so they’re like family to me. On photo shoots, when I ride with my teammates, they always push me in a positive way. Together we make the brand, each other and the products better.
You’ve made a couple of big moves between sponsors over your career, what key benefits are you looking to get out of your sponsors?
Only one really and that was a major one: from Slingshot to Best and back to Slingshot.
Support, a good product and a clear partnership are some things I need. They need to make me feel good and happy to ride. That’s the reason I changed back to Slingshot again because Best was not capable of giving me what I needed. If you’re sitting at the water’s edge and the wind is blowing 20 knots with blue skies and flat water, and you’re still not motivated to ride, you know something is wrong, and you have to change. This is why I always look for long-term partnerships. I’ve been with Brunotti 14 years already, with Slingshot for eight years and I’m signed for three more.
As kiteboarding becomes more popular, more mainstream, and more mature, in which direction would you like to see the sport evolve in the coming years?
I think that if the sport becomes more mainstream, it’s good. However, it has to be on the terms of the riders. They should always push kiting in the direction where they want to see it going. Mainstream means more money, bigger sponsors and riders will be able to make a real living out of it. And once they retire from their professional career they could live from it.
Outside of kiteboarding, what are you passionate about, and how do you like to spend your time when the wind isn’t blowing?
I like to work on my house. On the side, I’m a construction worker, building a lot of things on my house by myself. Also, of course, I like going to the gym, running, biking and just being active. I surf, windsurf and sometimes wakeboard as well. So, there is always enough to keep me busy.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received, and what would you tell young riders who want to follow in your footsteps?
Just be yourself, and don’t change! There is only one you, so keep it that way. Don’t be somebody else. And, on the water, just ride like you ride at your home spot. My dad always told me that!
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By Lindsay McClure
Lindsay is a pro rider from Hood River in the USA, she works for IKSURFMAG as our Features Editor and is an integral part of the team. Lindsay is really into wakestyle riding and can be found in the Hood River Slider Park during the summer months, she also travels all over the world with the World Class Academy helping younger riders develop through kiteboarding!
